Description

Barleria Cristata, commonly known as Philippine violet, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, and is widely cultivated for its attractive blooms and foliage.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Lamiales
Family	Acanthaceae
Genus	Barleria

Appearance

The Barleria Cristata is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has dark green leaves that are 10-15 cm long and 4-6 cm wide. The flowers are tubular and have five petals that are lavender or purple in color. They bloom in clusters and are about 2.5 cm long and 3 cm wide. The blooms are attractive to bees and butterflies.

Care Guide

Barleria Cristata is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:

• Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Barleria Cristata can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Barleria Cristata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Common pests that may affect this plant include spider mites and whiteflies. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

Barleria Cristata is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines. It is commonly found in open areas, forests, and hillsides. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and can be grown in gardens, parks, and landscapes.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Barleria Cristata toxic to pets?

A: Barleria Cristata is not toxic to pets.

Q: How often should I prune Barleria Cristata?

A: Prune the plant once a year to maintain its shape and promote new growth.

Q: Can I grow Barleria Cristata indoors?

A: Barleria Cristata prefers partial sun to partial shade and is best grown outdoors.

Q: How long does it take for Barleria Cristata to bloom?

A: Barleria Cristata blooms from late spring to early fall, and each bloom lasts for about a week.

Related Plants

• Barleria Prionitis
• Barleria Repens
• Barleria Lupulina

References

• “Barleria Cristata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c831.
• “Barleria Cristata.” PlantZAfrica.com, www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/barleriacrist.htm.
• “Barleria Cristata.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, www.ipni.org/n/812516-1.